Jaguar Determined to Beat Benetton in Japan

Jaguar Racing still have their sights set on beating close rivals Benetton to seventh place in the Constructors' Championship as they prepare to do battle in the final round in Japan this weekend.

The two teams are tied on 10 points with the last race to go and Jaguar team principal Niki Lauda and drivers Pedro de la Rosa and Eddie Irvine all have the same objective.

"We are all encouraged by the results in Monza and Indy," said Lauda in reference to de la Rosa's fifth place finish at the Italian Grand Prix and Irvine's fourth place classification in America. "This enthusiasm will be continued in our quest to end the 2001 season ahead of Benetton-Renault.

"Eddie did a good job in Indy, and our aim now is to move in front of Benetton-Renault by doing our best to score some more points."

Irvine is also in the mood to end the season on a high at the Suzuka track - which he rates as his favourite on the calendar.

"After finishing in the points at Indianapolis, it would be nice to round off the season by doing it again in Japan as it would give us all a boost over the winter," said Irvine.